The Swiss superstar claimed his 19th Grand Slam title at the age of 35 – and became the first man since Bjorn Borg in 1976 to lift the title here without dropping a set.

But the Croat No.7 broke down in tears in his chair during the second set and needed treatment on blisters on his foot. Federer coasted to victory 6-3, 6-1, 6-4 in only one hour and 41 minutes.

He banks another £2.2m to take his on-court career earnings to nearly £82m – but the 15,000 on Centre Court got less value for money as they saw a coronation rather than a contest.

Cilic had started confidently and forced the first break point in the fourth game. But at 2-2, Federer won a brilliant rally on the second point after the Croat slipped – and on the next point he flew a forehand long on his way to dropping his serve. The 2014 US Open champion was not in the match again.

Roger Federer lifts his eighth Wimbledon trophy (Image: PA)

The two men with their trophies (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Federer was in dreamland (Image: Getty Images Europe)

The Swiss celebrates victory (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Federer salutes the crowd (Image: REUTERS)

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were in the Royal Box (Image: WireImage)

Federer set up two set points at 5-3 with two devastating backhands – and was gifted the second when Cilic double-faulted. The first set last 36 minutes.

Cilic was broken again to go 2-0 down in the second set and covered his face in his towel as he wept at the changeover as he was attended by a physio, doctor and the tournament referee.

At that stage, it seemed possible a Grand Slam dogged by injury withdrawals – two in one day on Centre Court on the first Tuesday – could have an unfitting finale.

The Croat came back out to huge applause and held his serve but still feel two sets down after 61 minutes – and had lengthy treatment on blisters on his foot at the end of the set.

Cilic battled till the end but was powerless to stop the Swiss and he took his second match point with his eighth ace.

Federer won his seventh Wimbledon title in 2012 – the five-year gap between titles is the longest since Jimmy Connors triumphed in 1974 and 1982.

Federer was cheered on by his wife Mirka Federer and children Charlene Riva, Myla Rose, Lenny and Leo (Image: AFP)

Federer parades the trophy (Image: PA)

Federer shows off his trophy to the crowd (Image: REUTERS)

Federer was in tears after the match (Image: EPA)

Federer tries to compose himself (Image: PA)

The new world No.3, who started the season with his stunning win at the Australian Open, is also closing in on Andy Murray's spot as world No.1

Federer, who at 35 years and 342 days is the oldest man in the Open Era to win Wimbledon, said: “It is magical, it's too much really. Not dropping a set, I am in disbelief that I have achieved such heights.

"I was not sure I would be here again in another final after last year. I had tough losses to Novak (Djokovic) in 2014 and 2015 but I kept on believing and here I am back with my eighth. It is fantastic."

The Swiss, who took the rest of last season off to recover from a knee injury after losing in the Wimbledon semi-final to Milos Raonic, added: “I have got to take more time off, give it another six months! But better than having the trophy and winning is being healthy. It feels great and I hope to be back next year.”

Speaking to Cilic, Federer said: "It is cruel sometimes. But Marin fought well and is a hero, so congratulations on a wonderful tournament.

Cilic broke down in tears midway through the second set (Image: PA)

Cilic required his medical team (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Cilic's blistered foot required treatment (Image: Rex Features)

Federer was never in trouble (Image: Getty Images Europe)

Cilic had an afternoon to forget (Image: AFP)

Cilic puts on a brave face (Image: PA)

"You should be really proud, this is such a special occasion, you had a wonderful tournament and sometimes you don't feel great in the final.

"I hope we can play down the road some better ones."

Cilic fought back more tears in his post-match interview.

He said: "I never give up in a match. I gave it my best - it's all I can do.

"I had an amazing journey here. I played the best tennis of my life. I really want to thank my team - they gave so much strength to me.

"Of course, to all my fans in Croatia, it was really tough today. I gave it my all. I will hope I come back here another time."